The Benefits Specialist assists with the administration of the day-to-day operations of the Benefits program and serves as the first point of contact for the benefits program.  Coordinates activities related to the System’s benefit programs including medical, dental, life, LTD, flexible spending accounts, wellness program, retirement plans and other colleague benefits and policies. Assists colleagues by explaining benefit plans, costs and enrollment. Monitors status changes to insure accurate benefit enrollment and process-related payroll deductions. Counsel managers and colleagues on benefits-related issues and policies such as eligibility, COBRA, etc.  Provides administrative back-up to other benefit department team members Embodies the Memorial Health Values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission and vision.

Education:

• High school graduate required; an Associate’s Degree or equivalent education is preferred.

Experience:

• Two – three years work experience in employee benefits or related field is required.
• Experience with HRIS systems and benefit self-service programs preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of benefit laws and regulations (ERISA, COBRA, ACA, etc.) is required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point).
• Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to change, with the ability to prioritize tasks and assignments.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health Values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission and vision.
2. Assists with the day-to-day administration of all colleague benefit programs. Serves as a primary contact for colleagues, retirees, plan participants, vendors and third-party administrators, communicating enrollment information/benefits changes, processing invoices and other benefits related issues.
3. Provides information to colleagues regarding benefit plans and coverage.
4. Coordinates with Colleague Health to ensure payment of insurance premiums for workers’ compensation payments, and with the Payroll Department for colleagues on a leave of absence.
5. Participates in the coordination and organization of the annual benefits open enrollment process and new colleague onboarding, including production of benefit materials, mailings, and colleague communications.
6. Provides professional and administrative support for the all MH benefits including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, PTO Donation, Wellness Program, Paid time off benefits and Retirement Savings Plan.
7. Administer individual colleague qualifying event enrollment changes during the year.
8. Ensures compliance with COBRA & HIPAA. Provides paperwork, responds to colleague and customer inquiries and provides guidance; assesses and tracks eligibility, prepares and maintains correspondence, and coordinates COBRA administration process with third party administrator.
9. Assists beneficiaries with Life Insurance claims. Reviews enrollment forms for accuracy and provides necessary documents and paperwork to insurance carrier for processing.
10. Assists retirees with insurance needs. Tracks payments for retiree insurance and advises third party administrator of new retiree participants, terminations and address changes.
11. Documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes. Prepares and reviews written communications such as Summary Plan Descriptions, open enrollment material, benefit policies, etc., and assists with the ongoing maintenance of same.
12. Maintains benefit records, databases, and benefit files as needed to ensure eligibility, enrollment and benefit deductions.
13. Reconciles enrollments, billings and colleague records to ensure adequate eligibility and payment information and compliance with contract provisions. Researches and resolves benefit and billing questions from colleagues, vendors, providers and payroll.
14. Serves as a resource to affiliate Human Resources leadership and colleagues in addressing various benefit matters and answering benefits questions. Stays current with changes in benefits and related legislation. (HIPAA, COBRA, Affordable Care Act (ACA)).
15. Provides support to Benefits staff. Participates in department meetings and activities, sharing observations, suggestions and recommendations for process improvement, accurate workflow and effectiveness of operations. Assists with special projects as needed.
16. Removes terminated colleagues from the MH Discount vendor platform.
17. Meets with and counsels colleagues/dependents in relation to their benefits on an as-needed basis.
18. Provides reports to numerous areas, this included not but is limited to Finance, HRIS and HR.
19. Manages large amounts of sensitive, confidential information concerning employees and business information contained in minutes, letters and other documents. Maintains strict confidentiality concerning all correspondence and job related activities, information and records.
20. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.